Hot Chocolate Mix...Another Gift from the Kitchen

When it is cold outside, who doesn't love a nice warm cup of chocolate?  OK, I might know a few, like my sister-in-law who detests chocolate altogether, but she is the exception, and for that we will forgive her and love her anyway.  I personally love hot chocolate, and the mix you stir up in your kitchen is perfect for a little happy.  If you are like me, there are so many Christmas gifts to give.  This little gift is perfect for a small token of your Christmas love.

I have given this gift in several different ways.  A jar full of mix, decorated with a fabric square on the top in a basket with a mug and either cookies or candy. As a single portion in a small plastic bag nestled inside the mug with a ribbon tied to the handle, or with an assortment of other drink mixes.  The only limit is your imagination.  This is is a great gift to give when you need multiple gifts and don't want to spend a fortune!

I found Christmas mugs at the local department store for less than $1. Some of the craft stores had them also, and they were really cute and on sale 50% off. Can't beat that! If you want something a little more, Williams Sonoma had some really cute hot chocolate sets with a frother and mugs, and that would make a great gift with a jar of hot chocolate mix.  I am curious to hear about what you come up with.

This is about as easy as it comes, so get the children involved and have fun. That is what Christmas is all about. Let the children give this as a gift they made and took ownership of.  I promise, the reward will be priceless!

A little happy...

Place the sifter in the bowl before adding any ingredients...trust me on this one!

Add your powdered milk...

...sugar and cocoa

And a little salt.

And start sifting...see the cocoa already peaking through!
 

Sift until all you are left with is pieces too big to fit through the sifter.  Discard this.

My mountain of hot chocolate mix...

Stir until evenly combined...

It is now ready to package!

I placed 3 tablespoons in a little bag and tied it up with a ribbon.  On a label, I wrote the directions for mixing it up!

Hot Chocolate Mix

3 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sift the ingredients into a large bowl.  Package the mix into airtight containers, or individual plastic bags.

To make Hot Chocolate:

4 tablespoons Hot Chocolate Mix
1 cup boiling water
Marshmallows or whipped cream (optional)

Place Hot Chocolate Mix into a mug.  Pour in the water. Stir until mix is dissolved.  Garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream or both! If you feel like the barista at Starbucks, drizzle a little chocolate syrup on the whipped cream for the coffee house touch!

I hope you enjoy.  My Mom made gifts like this every Christmas, and it is fun to make these with my children.

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah